verb 1. (transitive, adverb) to astonish or disconcert Surprise, shock, as in He was taken aback by her caustic remark. This idiom comes from nautical terminology of the mid-1700s, when be taken aback referred to the stalling of a ship caused by a wind shift that made the sails lay back against the masts. Its figurative use was first recorded in 1829.

noun 1. a seat at the rear. Idioms 2. take a backseat, to occupy a secondary or inferior position: Her writing has taken a backseat because of other demands on her time. tailspin take a back seat Occupy an inferior position; allow another to be in control. For example, Linda was content to take a […]

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